Election 2007/Wooster mayor's race
Candidates differ in approach to development

Published: October 21, 2007 4:09AM

By BRYAN SCHAAF

Staff Writer

WOOSTER -- In 2005, the Bowling Green-based Poggemeyer Design Group performed a study to determine the need and feasibility of an economic development office in Wooster, as well as defining how that office should be structured.

In its report, the group recommended the city establish such an office and fund it with $2 million to acquire and develop potential sites and provide grants and low-interest loans to qualifying businesses.

But more than two years since the study was released, should the city follow through with those recommendations, especially when at the time the findings were released several members of council questioned the legitimacy of the process?

Democratic mayoral candidate Mindy Cavin spoke against the process with which the study was compiled when it was released and believes the city should seek direction from the Wayne Economic Development Council instead of some outside company.

"(The WEDC) is better suited to tell us if we need an economic development office, economic fund or both," Cavin said. "They have the knowledge and experience to guide us and help us set goals for development and growth that are good for Wooster, specifically because they're familiar with this community and our unique circumstances."

Cavin said she is not opposed to considering funding for infrastructure improvements to services that would make the city more attractive to businesses, but she's "not in favor of spending money to fund individual businesses. ... I don't believe it's our place as a municipal government."

The study suggests potential funding for the office coming from "1/2 percent of the city's gross revenues from all business-type activities such as water, sewer or hospital, 1/2 percent of the city's total income tax revenues, revolving loan funds and other private donations and sources."

Republican candidate Bob Breneman said he feels the city has taken many steps to implement the study's recommendations.

"I think we've moved pretty close to what the study was asking for by putting Justin Starlin in place as the assistant to the director of administration," Breneman said. "His main focus is economic development. If a company calls city hall that's interested in relocating, they're directed to Justin. He visits with them, tells them what's available and if it's a serious inquiry, he and (director of administration) Mike Sigg put something together. Essentially, we've already created the economic development office, we just haven't completely tied Justin strictly to economic development."

The study specifically recommends Starlin be appointed manager of the proposed Economic Development Service Office, noting, "He already has a working knowledge of enterprise zone and (Community Reinvestment Area) programs, as well as support and respect of an overwhelming majority of those interviewed."

Breneman added of the $2 million to fund the office, "I think the $2 million is a great goal to shoot for and it could be helpful in attracting businesses to the area, but that's a lot of money. We just don't have those sorts of funds sitting around. It's something we need to work toward, but I just don't support throwing that lump sum out there right now. As mayor, it's something I'll work for, but it'll have to come in steps."

Greg Gehris, an independent candidate, said the town has other needs that should come before an economic development office.

"I don't think it would be wise to find the monies to invest in this office," Gehris said. "The town needs to start using its mayor in a better capacity. After all, isn't the mayor supposed to be the one out marketing his town and to be seen and heard? Rather than spend that $2 million, keep it in a rainy day fund for emergencies. There are always expenses coming that the town has not foreseen."

Reporter Bryan Schaaf can be reached at (330) 287-1645 or bschaaf@the-daily-record.com.